Improved Spatial Memory And Neuroinflammatory Profile Changes in Aged Rats Submitted to Photobiomodulation Therapy

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Gerontology

Background:

• Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) shows therapeutic promise for brain conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
• However, its effects on healthy brains across different age groups are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of tPBM on cognitive functions and neuroinflammation in young and aged rats without pre-existing pathologies.
• To assess behavioral changes and molecular alterations in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.

Main Methods:

• Young and aged rats received transcranial low-level laser therapy (tLLLT).
• Cognitive functions were evaluated using open field, elevated plus maze, Barnes maze, and inhibitory avoidance tasks.
• Neuroinflammatory markers (cytokines and chemokines) were quantified in brain tissue.

Main Results:

• tPBM improved spatial learning and memory in both young and aged rats compared to controls.
• tPBM altered cortical inflammatory profiles, decreasing specific cytokines in young rats and increasing others in aged rats.
• Hippocampal analysis revealed reduced IP-10 and fractalkine levels in aged rats post-tPBM.

Conclusions:

• Transcranial photobiomodulation enhances cognitive performance, particularly spatial memory, in healthy young and aged rats.
• tPBM induces significant changes in the neuroinflammatory landscape of the brain.
• These findings suggest tPBM as a potential intervention for cognitive enhancement and brain health modulation across the lifespan.